£400,000 to build our future (From Basildon Recorder)

£400,000 to build our future

10:56am Friday 16th November 2007

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AN innovative project that has helped young people on the path to a career in the construction industry has been given a £400,000 boost.

Basildon Trade School, set up by Basildon Council three years ago, has received the funding from the Investing in Communities programme through the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership.

It means the school will be able to continue running for the next four years and help 140 teenagers, aged between 14 and 19, who are at risk of being in the "not in education, employment or training" group .

It will also make available additional spaces to young people in local schools who are seeking a more vocational career path.

The funding has enabled the trade school to move from iWat Country Tyler Park, in Pitsea, to a purpose-built site at Prospects College's schools academy in Pegasus House, Pipps Hill Industrial Estate.

Mary Spence, chief executive of the partnership, said: "This kind of project is exactly what the Investing in Communities programme is all about.

"One of the reasons it has been so successful is because of the close links with industry that have been developed by the partners involved, including Thurrock and Basildon College, Life Skills Solutions and Basildon Council."

Students who attend the trade school will learn about construction work including brick laying, carpentry, plastering and plumbing.

Graham Lewis, director of business development at Prospects College, said: "We have great links with construction companies such as Lovells, Connaught, Alcho and Smith & O'Sullivan.

"The trainers are able to give real trade experience to the young people."

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